The Helping Hen is part of the Work Options culinary job training program, a non-profit that helps people overcome life’s challenges and prepare to become part of Colorado’s culinary workforce.
Overview:
The Helping Hen is a food service social enterprise operated by Work Options, a Denver nonprofit that helps people overcome barriers to employment and build careers in the culinary and hospitality industries. Through its café, food truck, and catering services, The Helping Hen serves the community while providing Work Options students with opportunities to practice their skills in real-world food service settings.
Based at the Mosaic Community Campus in Denver, The Helping Hen gives students hands-on experience with food preparation, kitchen operations, customer service, and meal service. The enterprise supports Work Options’ broader mission of helping people build the skills, confidence, and experience needed to pursue sustainable employment in the culinary industry.
Population served
Individuals participating in Work Options’ culinary training and apprenticeship programs
People facing barriers to employment, including individuals impacted by the justice system
Community members and organizations seeking food service and catering
Enterprise type
Café and food service
Mobile food truck
Catering and meal preparation
Client Services offered
Hands-on culinary and food service experience in a working café and food truck environment
Opportunities to practice food preparation, kitchen operations, and customer service
Real-world experience supporting meal service and catering operations
Connection to Work Options’ culinary job training, employment support, and career development services
Program length
The Helping Hen is an ongoing social enterprise rather than a standalone training program. Work experience opportunities are connected to Work Options’ culinary training pathway, which typically includes 4–6 weeks of core training, with additional paid apprenticeship opportunities available to selected participants.
How You Can Support The Helping Hen
Visit the Café: Stop by The Helping Hen Café at the Mosaic Community Campus for breakfast or lunch. Your purchase supports a social enterprise that creates practical learning opportunities for culinary students.
Order Catering: Choose The Helping Hen for business meetings, staff gatherings, nonprofit events, and celebrations. Catering orders help support the enterprise while giving students exposure to professional food service operations.
Visit the Food Truck: Look for The Helping Hen food truck at community events and enjoy a meal that supports culinary workforce development.
Build a Partnership: Connect with Work Options to explore opportunities to collaborate on food service, community meals, or workforce development initiatives.
Support Work Options: Consider donating, volunteering, or partnering with Work Options to help sustain its culinary training and employment services.
